There was excitement to be able to deliver Cultural Diversity Week in March, hope for those who celebrate Easter surrounded by family and friends, and that the long weekend everyone was enjoyed by everyone.
Message from the acting Chairperson
There were so many incredible community festivals and events across metropolitan and regional areas of Victoria. Thank you to the organisers, volunteers and attendees for all working together to make these occasions memorable while remaining COVID safe.
Some of the new COVID safe events that the VMC hosted this year included Culture Break, a collection of 12 live performances at the Old Treasury Building and State Library Victoria. We ran the first instalment of our Curious Conversations series addressing the question, 'What does multicultural Victoria look like in 2030?', with three young leaders bringing compelling ideas on how to help our state thrive. I encourage everyone to watch it. We also released the second video of Unity in Diversity, where members of our Multifaith Advisory Group quote scriptures from their faiths.
Our celebration of cultural diversity is not confined to one week, though. Look out for more cultural festivals and events, further Curious Conversations and the Premier's Gala Dinner later in the year.
In the meantime, we have our Refugee Awards and Multicultural Film Festival, which are both open for nominations. Nominations for the Victorian Refugee Awards close on 24 April, so I urge everyone to either self-nominate or nominate someone you think is deserving.
In the update below, I would also like to share with you several important grants that are open for application, vital in-language information about the COVID-19 vaccination rollout, a chance to join the Government's Anti-Racism Taskforce and much more.
It has been a pleasure serving as acting Chairperson of the VMC this past fortnight, and I look forward to welcoming Viv back from leave on Monday.
Take care
Bwe Thay, Acting Chairperson
The Victorian Refugee Awards are open for nominations | nominations closing 24 April 2021
As part of Refugee Week celebrations this year, the VMC will be hosting the Victorian Refugee Awards. The annual awards will recognise and promote the achievements of refugees in Victoria. They will honour people who have excelled through study, work, entrepreneurial or leadership efforts.
There are many different types of achievements that are worthy of nomination for a Refugee Award. Someone may have received an outstanding result in their education, volunteered in their community, run a successful business or supported other refugees to thrive.
Multiple awards will be presented across four categories: Young Leader, Achievement, Leadership and Business (awarded to an organisation or business).
Both self nominations and nominations of others are now open, and close on 24 April 2021. We encourage you to nominate as soon as possible.
Our Multicultural Film Festival is now calling for entries | submissions close 20 June 2021
The VMC's Multicultural Film Festival is back this August! We support emerging filmmakers from diverse backgrounds and also invite submissions from filmmakers of any background to produce films that explore multiculturalism and promote social cohesion.
Each year, our shortlisted films feature characters who are encountering new ways of life, struggling with feeling isolated in a new country or within their cultures' traditions, or beginning to embrace and celebrate their difference.
We are now seeking new short films to be shown at the festival. If you know any filmmakers, please let them know about this great opportunity to share their work.
Apply to join the Anti-Racism Taskforce
The new Anti-Racism Taskforce will provide high level advice and recommendations to the Victorian Government to guide the development of an Anti-Racism Strategy.
Applications from people who bring a diverse range of professional and lived experiences are encouraged, to ensure the Taskforce reflects the diversity within the Victorian community.
Grants available: Anti-racism programs, family violence prevention, multicultural events and more
The Victorian Government is currently receiving submissions for several grant programs, with most closing in the next fortnight. Explore the links below and get in quick!
Local Anti-Racism Initiatives | closes 16 April 2021
Grants of up to $500,000 are available to support local anti-racism and community harmony efforts.
Helping Multicultural Communities Prevent Family Violence | closes 21 April 2021
Three-year grants are available for both new and established organisations.
Multicultural Festivals and Events Program | closes 21 April 2021
Grants of up to $50,000 are available to support COVIDSafe multicultural festivals and events held between 1 July and 31 December 2021.
Priority response to multicultural communities during COVID-19 | closes 28 May 2021
This program will ensure organisations can respond to the current health crisis and its impacts on multicultural and faith communities, with a focus on providing support to those communities and areas most in need.
New rules for renters and landlords in Victoria
New rent rules are coming to create a safer, fairer system for everyone.
The changes to the law clarify the rights and responsibilities of renters and rental providers – from before you sign a rental agreement until after the agreement ends – and apply to all types of tenancies.
The law changes include a ban on rental bidding and eviction without a reason, as well as setting new rental minimum standards and allowable modifications by renters.
COVID-19 vaccinations are underway – get the details in your language of choice
COVID-19 vaccines are now being rolled out in Australia. People most at risk of serious illness, and those most likely to be exposed to the virus are being vaccinated first. The Department of Health is committed to making information about COVID-19 vaccines available to everyone in Australia, including multicultural communities.
Everyone in Australia is encouraged to get their free vaccination when it's their turn, to help protect themselves, their families and their communities.
The Suitability Panel is seeking new members
The Minister for Child Protection, Luke Donnellan MP, is seeking expressions of interest from suitably qualified people to appoint as members of the Suitability Panel in Victoria.
The Suitability Panel, established under the Children, Youth and Families Act 2005, conducts hearings, and makes findings primarily as to whether or not an out-of-home carer should be disqualified from being a carer.
2021 Victorian Community History Awards
The Victorian Community History Awards are held annually to recognise the contributions made by Victorians in the preservation of the state’s fascinating history, published during the previous year.
Presented by the Public Record Office Victoria in partnership with the Royal Historical Society of Victoria, the awards celebrate the people involved in community history projects who are dedicated to telling local stories that help all Victorians to better understand their past.
Round two of the Volunteering Innovation Fund is open | applications close 6 May 2021
Parks Victoria wants to help create new volunteering opportunities for people of all backgrounds.
If you've got a bright idea for a project that will encourage Victorians from diverse backgrounds to volunteer in our state's parks and forests, then you should consider applying for the latest round of the Volunteering Innovation Fund.
Funding of up to $50,000 per project will be available.
Coronavirus hotline
- Coronavirus hotline: 1800 675 398 (24 Hours).
- Interpreting service: If you need an interpreter, call TIS National on 131 450.
- Testing locations: Find a testing location near you.
- Triple Zero: Please keep Triple Zero (000) for emergencies only.
- Coronavirus in-language information
MORE:
Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC)
Address: Level 3, 1 Macarthur Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
Tel: (03) 9651 5901
Email: contact@vmc.vic.gov.au